1.0  Observation Skills Technical Standard

1.01 Demonstrate sufficient attention and accuracy in observation skills (visual, auditory, and tactile) in the lecture hall, laboratory, patient’s bedside, and outpatient settings.

1.02 Indicators include but are not limited to these examples:

1. Accurate observations of a patient near and at a distance; recognizing non-verbal and verbal signs.
2. Accurate identification of changes in color of fluids, skin, and culture media.
3. Accurate visualization and discrimination of text, numbers, patterns, graphic illustrations, and findings on X-ray and other imaging texts.

2.0 Communication Skills Technical Standard

2.01 Demonstrate effective communication skills with all ages and genders of patients, varying degrees and types of infirmities, and varying cultures, ethnicities and personalities.

2.02 Indicators include but are not limited to these examples:

1. Clear, efficient, and intelligible articulation of verbal language.
2. Legible, efficient and intelligible written English language.
3. Accurate and efficient reading skills (English language).
4. Accurate and efficient expressive and receptive communication skills.
5. Ability to prepare and communicate concise oral and written summaries of patient encounters.
6. Ability to accurately follow oral and written directions.

3.0 Critical Reasoning Skills Technical Standard

3.01 Demonstrate critical reasoning skills, including, but not limited to, intellectual, conceptual, integrative, and quantitative abilities.

3.02 Indicators include, but are not limited to, these examples:

1. Demonstrate ability to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate and synthesize information.
2. Demonstrate ability to acquire, retain, and apply new and learned information.
3. Demonstrate appropriate judgment in patient assessment, diagnosis, monitoring, evaluation and intervention, including planning, time management and use of resources.

4.0 Motor And Sensory Function Technical Standard

4.01 Demonstrate sufficient motor and sensory function to perform typical functions of physician assistants, including, but not limited to, physical examinations, treatment interventions, and general care of patients.

4.02 Indicators include but are not limited to these examples:

1. Functional and sufficient sensory capacity (visual, auditory, and tactile) to adequately perform a complete physical examination and elicit information gained from proper use of examination tools and procedures.
2. Execute motor movements to assess patients, provide patient care, and participate in basic diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers and procedures.
3. Execute motor movements that demonstrate safety and efficiency in the various learning settings, i.e., classroom, laboratories, and clinical settings, including appropriate negotiation of self and patients in-patient care environments.
4. Accurately discern and evaluate various components of the spoken voice (pitch, intensity, timbre), percussive notes, and auscultatory findings.
5. Properly use clinical instruments and devices for therapeutic intervention including, but not limited to, tuning forks, stethoscopes, sphygmomanometers, Doppler devices, catheters, tubes, etc.
6. Physical stamina sufficient to complete the rigorous course of didactic and clinical study, which may include prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and/or rapid ambulation.

5.0 Behavioral And Social Attributes Technical Standard

5.01 Demonstrate the behavioral and social attributes vital to participation in a professional program and service as a practicing professional physician assistant.

5.02 Indicators include but are not limited to these examples:

1. Possess the emotional health required for full utilization of mental faculties (judgment, orientation, affect and cognition).
2. Ability to develop mature and effective professional relationships with faculty, patients, the public, and other members of the health care team.
3. Possess personal qualities that facilitate effective therapeutic interactions (compassion, empathy, integrity, honesty, benevolence, confidentiality).
4. Demonstrate impartial motives, attitudes and values in roles, functions, and relationships.
5. Ability to monitor and react appropriately to one’s own emotional needs and responses.
6. Display appropriate flexibility and adaptability in the face of stress or uncertainty associated with clinical encounters and clinical environments.
7. Compliance with standards, policies and practices set forth in the program Handbook and/or as stipulated by EPT for employment purposes.